Highly Stretchable and Sensitive Strain Sensor with Porous Segregated Conductive Network

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Flexible strain sensors are crucial for wearable electronics.
• Achieving both a broad detection range and high sensitivity in these sensors remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly stretchable and sensitive strain sensor with an ultrawide sensing range.
• To investigate a novel method for creating a porous segregated conductive network in polymer composites.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a carbon nanotube/thermoplastic polyurethane composite using compression molding and salt-leaching.
• Characterization of the sensor's performance, including strain range, sensitivity, response/recovery times, stability, and durability.

Main Results:

• The developed sensor demonstrated an ultrawide sensing range (800% strain) and high sensitivity (gauge factor of 356.4).
• Achieved short response and recovery times (180 ms) with superior stability and durability.
• The porous segregated conductive network effectively enhanced sensitivity through intensified network deformation.

Conclusions:

• The novel porous segregated conductive network strategy offers an effective approach for creating high-performance elastomeric conductive polymer composite strain sensors.
• The sensor shows significant potential for applications in wearable motion monitoring systems, capable of detecting both subtle and energetic movements.